MARGIN (2024-2027)
Projektlaufzeit:
1.September 2024 - 31.August 2027
„Management for Groundwater Sustainability in Urban Areas Quantifying the vulnerability of groundwater quality and quantity to climate change and urbanisation and developing adaptation measures for cities“
The EU InterReg project MARGIN identifies vulnerable areas in cities concerning changes in quality and quantity due to climate change and urbanisation. It develops strategies and tools for adaptation to changing groundwater conditions and extreme levels in order to ensure a sustainable infrastructure development and management of groundwater as a resource and ecosystem in cities. The project takes quantitative (groundwater recharge, extremely low and high groundwater levels) as well as qualitative (thermal, chemical, biological) changes/vulnerabilities into account. The project will analyse the requirements and present status of different European cities regarding the management of their groundwater resource, gather and analyse the relevant data from city and regional administrations to identify and evaluate vulnerable areas to groundwater changes in quality and quantity. Based on this evaluation user-oriented adaptation strategies and measures will be developed for the implementation in city planning and local water administration procedures. To cover this, MARGIN will conduct this approach in four cities in the Alpine region with different climate and socio-economic conditions, urbanization levels, and administration procedures to cover the variety of the Alpine space: Munich, Milano, Ljubljana, Linz.
Lead partner: Chair of Hydrogeology, Technical University of Munich (Kai Zosseder, kai.zosseder@tum.de)
Core team: City of Munich, City of Ljubljana, City of Milano, GEOZS (Geological Survey of Slovenia), Water supplier Linz, Geosphere Austria (Geological Survey of Austria), University of Milano, University of Vienna, Climate Alliance, European Water Association.
Project description
Alpine cities face unique groundwater issues, including the impact of climate change and rising competition for groundwater use. To address these concerns, MARGIN helps cities understand their vulnerability and risk, building resilience to future groundwater changes. The project offers city-tailored management for upcoming groundwater difficulties, creating the potential to replicate best practices and accelerate their implementation in Alpine cities, thus strengthening preparedness and capacity to cope with the impacts of climate change.
The project aims to develop effective adaptation measures to safeguard groundwater quality and quantity, essential for drinking water, energy, and ecosystem health. By examining the four pilot cities Milan, Ljubljana, Linz and Munich and involving a Network of Observers, MARGIN will enhance city planning and policy-making through a practical toolbox of guidelines and best practices. This initiative will empower cities to responsibly manage their groundwater resources and build resilience against environmental challenges.
Funded by
MARGIN is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Interreg Alpine Space programme. The project total budget is 2.985.083,95 € with an ERDF Co-financing rate of 75 %.
Link to project website
